OMAHA – According to Omaha Police, two more bodies have been discovered in the Missouri River, just days after authorities discovered the body of one of the three girls who went missing earlier this month.
Authorities said the bodies, discovered at about 10 a.m. Tuesday on the surface of the water just south of the OPPD plant, are believed to be those of 18-year-old Laiana Green and 11-year-old Eh Cress Moo. The two bodies were discovered several hundred yards apart on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River.
Green and Eh Cress Moo, along with 18-year-old Lah Tray Moo, went missing approximately two weeks ago. Lah Tray Moo’s body was discovered near the same location around 6:30 p.m. Saturday night.
On April 15, four girls were fishing when a witness reported seeing them struggling to get out of the water. According to authorities, one of the girls slipped into the river, and the others attempted to rescue her.
Only one of them made it out. The families have stated that she is heartbroken, but is receiving care and support and remaining strong throughout the ordeal.
According to Douglas County Sheriff’s Capt. Kristopher Peterson, rescuers have only stopped searching once since then due to weather concerns. Boats had been searching for the missing girls, with a focus on the area where Lah Tray Moo’s body was recovered from the water. The Omaha Fire Department reported that her body was found near the south boat ramp in knee-deep water.
The Douglas County Coroner’s Office is working with the families to positively identify the two bodies, which could be done as early as Tuesday evening.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office met with the family near the river around 12:30 p.m.
Friends of the family told First Alert 6 that it is been a difficult time, but they have appreciated the community’s help.
“I am relieved that we have all three girls,” one friend said. “Sad, but thankful that we have them.”
They said it was amazing to know they were in so many people’s prayers.
“We want to thank everyone who donated, came by, prayed for us, or simply showed us love… “We can breathe a little easier because we have them physically,” another friend added.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the families with funeral expenses.
The families are also attempting to collaborate with authorities to install more warning signs along the river and ensure that people fishing in the water wear lifejackets.